My dad passed away last week, and I took a little time off the campaign trail to be with my family. Dad was a lifelong Republican, and I learned so much from him. When we talked about politics, it was focused on what was best for our community, our state, our country. It was about the best ways to get good things done, no matter which party was supporting it.
I thought a lot about that as I watched the Democratic National Convention. How so much of what I heard was fueled by optimism and infused with the positive energy of what is possible, what is achievable, and hope. So, so much of the noise during this election season is dark and filled with doom. I hear so many messages that take aim at tearing someone down and focus on blame and shame. Dad wouldn’t have liked that, and neither do I.
Hope is not owned by the Republicans nor by the Democrats. Hope is something we can all wrap our arms around as we look for sunshine in the darkness. But I don’t think hope is a tool. If hope is to be fulfilled, it will be done so through hard work, commitment, understanding, and collaboration. I used to tell my daughters that if you need to push others down to get things done, you’re not doing it right. I sure believe that and deeply want to see more support and less criticism in our government and in our country.
I was back in my little hometown as my family honored and remembered my father. Old friends and family asked about my campaign. As we chatted, I saw how we all really want the same things, Republicans, Democrats, and independents. Nobody actually likes the negativity that has been part of this election cycle. People want to vote for what is possible and what will help our state and all of America, not use their vote against someone or something.
That’s also what I’ve heard as I’ve spent this summer traveling all over the state, from folks everywhere in South Dakota. As South Dakotans, as Americans, we can see things very differently, but that doesn’t mean being negative or hateful.
But voters do—and should—believe in accountability, especially for who our elected leaders put first and how that impacts the rest of us. My opponent is a career politician whose target is just plain different from mine. He is planning his run to be our Governor in two short years, stockpiling cash and meeting with prominent Republicans in his pursuit.
My campaign is running on support from regular folks. There is a little button down below where you can invest in my run and our future. I use the word “invest” for a reason. Funds directed to my campaign are not gifts, they’re investments in our collective future. My dad got that, and people who knew him are investing in me in his name. I am so humbled and honored by that.
It is certainly a lot different from how my opponent is drumming up money. He continues to look for support from big business, billionaires, and lots of people who are profit-driven and who rest easy knowing they can count on his votes going their way. From what I can tell, he wants to serve them, not us.
My aim is to do what’s best for all South Dakotans, that means all of us. Yes, I am running as a proud Democrat, but that label can, and does, mean so many things to different people. To me, it means listening and remembering all the things I hear all over our state. It means representing our entire state, regardless of whether it’s red or blue. It means staying true to YOU, to US. It means serving you and never forgetting that that’s what my mission is. It means being brave and standing for what’s right.
I know my father was proud of what I want to do. No days pass without his wisdom coming to mind. Like I said, I learned a lot from my Republican dad. Mostly what I learned has zero to do with politics and everything to do with being an honorable person who holds up those around her.
You all know I’m the SD Mom running for Congress. That “mom” part means I can be tough, I can fight, I stand up for my beliefs. The “mom” part also means having the compassion, empathy, patience, and bravery to take care of South Dakotans. To lead the charge and work across party lines to get things done for the good of our state, now, and the future of our state long after I’m gone.
Send me to D.C. and I will stand as the caretaker of this office and your ally, while I am in it, and then pass it forward to those who come after me.
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